Plastic tableware and kitchenware market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market for plastic tableware and kitchenware in Germany contracted from 105.7 thousand tons in 2018 to 82.6 thousand tons in 2021. This decline was primarily driven by a series of regulatory measures aimed at reducing single-use plastics. The introduction of the EU Plastics Strategy in 2018, followed by the national implementation of the Single-Use Plastics Directive in 2019, which banned items like plastic bags and cups, directly reduced demand. These restrictions were further reinforced in 2020 and 2021 with amendments to the Packaging Act and the full enactment of the EU single-use plastic ban in July 2021.

A temporary rebound occurred in 2022, with market volume rising to 88.6 thousand tons, coinciding with the launch of a deposit system for all single-use plastic beverage bottles and new labeling requirements for single-use plastic products. However, by 2024, the market volume fell again to 76.5 thousand tons. This later downturn was influenced by sharply rising energy and raw material costs, which pressured producers, alongside additional regulatory burdens such as mandatory producer registration and the requirement for fixed bottle caps.

Production plastic tableware and kitchenware in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's plastic tableware and kitchenware production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 218.0 million US dollars, marking a significant 24.6% drop compared to 2019. Production peaked in 2018 at 324.6 million US dollars, which represented a 3.5% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 30.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 11.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Germany's plastic tableware and kitchenware production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 41,090 tonnes were produced, showing a dramatic 34.2% decrease year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 40.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -15.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports plastic tableware and kitchenware from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's cross-border shipments of plastic tableware and kitchenware declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 49.1 thousand tonnes, down 20.9% from the previous year. Exports reached their highest point in 2018 at 66.8 thousand tonnes, which was a 14.2% increase from 2017. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 15.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's plastic tableware and kitchenware exports in kind were distributed across multiple markets without a single dominant partner. France accounted for 15.7% of exports, the Netherlands for 10.2%, and Austria for 9.8%, together making up 35.6% of total exports. Many smaller partners held modest individual shares.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Germany's plastic tableware and kitchenware deliveries declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 363.8 million US dollars, showing a strong 10.5% decrease compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 425.0 million US dollars, which represented a 16.1% increase from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's plastic tableware and kitchenware exports in value terms were spread across many countries. France accounted for 13.0% of exports, Austria for 11.9%, and Poland for 8.8%, jointly representing 33.6% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020

Imports plastic tableware and kitchenware to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's volume of plastic tableware and kitchenware imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 94.7 thousand tonnes, amounting to a 6.2% drop compared to the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 0.0%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 9%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China, Italy, and Poland were the leading suppliers of plastic tableware and kitchenware to Germany in kind. China accounted for 31.3% of imports, Italy for 10.6%, and Poland for 8.8%, together taking 50.6% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Germany's plastic tableware and kitchenware import volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 600.2 million US dollars, constituting a 0.9% fall compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 630.9 million US dollars, which was a 5.5% increase from 2017. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 4.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Over the 2017-2020 period, Germany's plastic tableware and kitchenware imports in value terms were distributed across a wide set of partner countries. China accounted for 33.1% of imports, Poland for 8.5%, and Italy for 6.4%, jointly making up 48.1% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020